If you score every week, I will shut up – Mikel Obi replies Nicolas Jackson

Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has issued a sharp response to Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson in an escalating exchange of words, Soccernet.ng reports.

The spat began after Jackson’s impressive performance at Molineux Stadium, where the Senegalese striker opened the scoring and assisted Cole Palmer in Chelsea’s 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton. Following the match, Jackson hit back at Mikel Obi for recent criticism.

Earlier, the former Chelsea midfielder had expressed disappointment with Jackson after the Blues suffered their first defeat of the 2024-25 English Premier League season against Manchester City.

“You need a striker who knows how to find the back of the net, and that’s something we’re missing,”Obi remarked. “I know I often criticise him [Nicholas Jackson], and it may come across as disrespect, but that’s not my intention.”

Jackson, clearly irked by Obi’s comments, took to social media with a fiery retort: “Mikel Obi, shut your mouth, don’t talk shit. We are killing ourselves in Africa.”

In response, Mikel Obi addressed Jackson’s remarks, stating he would only remain silent if the young striker could consistently score goals.

“I like the guy as a football player, and I haven’t said he’s a bad player at all. I’ve just said that his finishing qualities are not there. He’s a young boy, and all I’ve said is that he needs a more experienced striker at the club to help him improve, to help him get better.

“If he plays well, I will praise him. If there’s something that needs to be said about him, where he needs to improve, I will definitely say it. If he scores every week and tells me to shut up, I will take that,” Obi declared.

Chelsea is set to face Swiss club Servette next before continuing their English Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace the following weekend. Jackson will be eager to prove his worth and build on his recent form as the team prepares for these crucial fixtures.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master’s Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.